Spring Vacation 2014

  Joel and I always look forward to spring break since he started preschool a couple years ago. We always look forward to doing something fun and exciting. Last year we did a science experiment every day. 
  This year we got the chance to go spend spring break in Arkansas seeing our family. We rode down with my Mom and her husband. We stayed the first night in Bella Vista, Arkansas with our Uncle and Aunt. We went with them to their church. It was fun, but Joel missed our own church and his godparents. Then my Dad came and got us, and we spent the rest of the vacation in Mena, Arkansas with my Dad and our grandparents.

 We enjoyed doing many things around Mena. Out of all the times we had been to Mena we have not had a chance to try one of Cruizers famous burgers that everyone there talks about. Well, finally we got to go. We took Grandma L. with us. Grandpa had surgery a couple days before so he was in the hospital. We went and visited him every day in the hospital until he got out. 
  Each day was shopping fun, and usually it was just to look. Each day one of us would pick where we wanted to go. Joel was first to pick. So, Grandma, Joel, and I set out to go shopping. Out of all the places he could choose (walmart, toy store, ect.) he picked to go to a book store. In a way I was shocked but in a way I wasn't. Joel loves to collect books, and loves to read them. The next day was my choice of where to go. I wanted to spend some time just my Dad and I. So, Grandma watched the little man while we adventured out on my search for a cast iron steal dutch to use for camping. I think we shopped like several antique and regular stores. Finally, we went to the last antique store in Mena. We found one. Actually, we found two but only had money for one. Maybe next time I can see if they still have the other one still.

One of the afternoons while we were in Mena. It was a nice windy day. Joel loves to fly kites. So, my Dad and I bought him a kite at Walmart. We took him up the street to the near by church lot away from the trees and poles. Joel had such a thrill flying a kite with his Papa and his Mommy. He said it was cool that he got to fly a kite in Arkansas. It was so peaceful too. In the background was Rich Mountain. We hope that the next time we get to go that we will take the kite to the top of the mountain for Joel to fly. We kind of forgot the kite the day we went up. Plus it was too windy and cold the day we got to go on the mountain. 

  
  When we were not out and about in Mena; we just hung around our grandparents house playing games, watching tv, and eating. It was weird the days that Grandpa was in the hospital. But were glad that we got to spend time with him after he got home before we had to leave to come home. Joel loves to learn new games. Joel decided he wanted to learn how to play Chinese Checkers. Grandma thought it was time to teach him. So, Grandma and Joel played A LOT of Chinese Checkers. Joel got good at it too. I may have to find me the game.

From the first time I took Joel to Mena, Arkansas to this recent time. I could not believe how much he has grown over the last few years. Until I looked at some old pictures. I had to compare the two. I wonder if in a few years he will want to sit on that darn deer. 
  We have no clue when we are going to be going back down to Arkansas to visit again, but we are looking forward to it. Hopefully we will get to do more sight seeing, and doing new things. We might even go camping if we go this summer.